The Star launches in Sydney

The former Star City has been transformed into The Star, Sydney’s premier leisure and entertainment venue. The Star launched with a spectacular opening ceremony which included a guest appearance by Olivia-Newton John. Other celebrities that were spotted at the event were Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. The launch event started at The Star’s glass facade harbour side entrance (which forms a giant screen) and continued at The Star’s two new signature restaurants – Black by ezard and Balla. Black by Ezard offers modern steak and seafood while Stefano Manfredi’s Balla serves up contemporary Milanese cuisine.

Still in the process of developing, the hotel will soon boast over 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, a new hotel The Darling, a high-end retail collection and a world-class entertainment and gaming area. The Darling, set to open in October, will be Sydney’s newest 5-star hotel and will offer 171 suites with spectacular views of the harbour. Also opening in October are restaurants from David Chang, of New York’s Momofuku fame , and Chase Kojima from the Nobu group. Chang will open Momofuku Sei?bo , his two-Michelin star Korean restaurant while Kojima will launch Sokyo, a contemporary Japanese restaurant. Other spaces soon to open include a new retail area for several leading brands including Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta and Chanel as well as an international night club and an event centre for conferences, exhibitions, and concerts.The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Sydney (+61 2 9777 9000, www.star.com.au)